An Editorial: Turn It Down or Roll It Up

– By Michal Elizabeth Smith –

We all have pet peeves; some people’s lists are just longer than others. Now, I understand this might make me sound aged, but there are only a few things I find more agitating than a loud listener. If you’re the kind of person who blasts a car stereo at an ear-splitting volume, or walks around with headphones, booming music I can hear from 100 feet away, take heed young padawan, and stop. I get it, you have the best taste in music and want the world to know it, but you’re going about it the wrong way.

I am a college student, and as I make my mile trek back to my car each day from class, I can’t help but notice some of my fellow classmates cruising along with their windows rolled down, blasting their favorite music. Out of the numerous times I have witnessed this, the only genres I seemingly hear are “Top 40” pop and, of course, Metallica (yes, Metallica is now a genre). I get it, Bon Iver and Iron & Wine might be cranking out some windows too, but perhaps they go unnoticed due to the inherent subtlety of their nature? But I digress.

Regardless of what genre, or artist you are emitting, I promise your awesome level won’t drop if you turn the volume down; in fact, it might go up. If you really want others to know what you’re listening to, then perhaps tell them with your mouth, or share it on the social network of your liking. In the meantime, please roll your windows up.